2.10.1. Overview of the Accessory Muscles
Required for Forced Respiration
When our respiratory effort needs to be increased, other muscles collectively called accessory muscles, in addition to the diaphragm and intercostals, are recruited. These will increase the rate and force of ventilation.
These are explained in more detail in the next few sections.
Serratus anterior
Serratus posterior superior
Serratus posterior inferior
Pectoralis major
Pectoralis minor
Subclavius
Clinical Top Tip:
Child struggling to breathe
In a child who's struggling to breath (and in adults too, but particularly in children), one must look for particular clinical signs, namely:
Tracheal tug
Subcostal recession
Intercostal recession
Accessory muscle usage - these muscles help to increase the volume of the ribcage and therefore facilitate improved ventilation.
If a patient has these signs, they are sick and need intervention soon.